FINED FOR SHOPLIFTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20391, 21 October 1929, Page 14

FINED FOR SHOPLIFTING.

PENALTY OF TWENTY POUNDS MARRIED WOMAN'S OFFENCE. \ [BY telegraph.—own correspondent.] HAMILTON. Sunday. An unusual case as far as Hamilton is concerned was heard in the local Magistrate's Court yesterday, when Rosina Land, aged 52, pleaded guilty to three charges of stealing goods, valued at £6 ss, from a shop. Detective-Sergeant Thompson said he watched accused on Thursday aflornoon. He saw her pass through one drapery shop. Her actions were suspicious, and he questioned her concerning some goods which had been stolen. Accused admitted the theft of a blouse, but a search of her bag disclosed a number of missing articles.

Accused's home was searched, and further articles, which she admitted having stolen, were found. Accused had a well-furnished home and there appeared to be no reason for her conduct. It appeared to be a case of systematic shoplifting.

Mr. J. F. Strang pleaded for leniency for accused, and said the class of caso was a rare one for Hamilton. > He asked for the suppression of accused's name, and said her husband, who was in comfortable circumstances, had noticed signs of eccentricity in her. She had nine children.

Addressing accused tho magistrate said he had primarily to consider the interests of tho community. Only accused's ago saved her from prison. Shopkeepers had to trust their customers; He would not suppress accused's name, as tho publication of tho facts was part of the punishment.' Probation was not a remedy for such a case.

Accusod was fined £2O on otio chargo and convicted on tho remainder.